He had a little fun in the process, and although he wanted to wait and have more fun, Northridge High School running back Bo Scarbrough committed to Alabama Friday night after the Jaguars' 23-15 win over Class 6A, Region 5 rival Hillcrest.

Scarbrough is Alabama's first 2014 commitment.

He told TideSports.com before he had even spoken to his main recruiter, UA offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. He is attending the Western Kentucky game Saturday and intends to tell all the coaches then, including Nick Saban.

He said he made his mind up two weeks ago.

"I just wanted to surprise a couple of people by going to these different places," Scarbrough said about his flirtation with Georgia. "I just sat back at home everyday and thought about, 'What can be best for me?' I watched Alabama on TV, I've been to their practice. It's just wonderful and I think I fit perfectly. There can't be a place better.

"Me and Vinnie (Sunseri) are real close. They have guys like D.J. Fluker. They've got Big Lake (Darren Lake). They're going to have other offensive linemen come in and do the same thing. I can run behind them."

Scarbrough has led Northridge to a 2-0 record through two weeks. He rushed for 214 yards and three touchdowns in Week One against Bob Jones. Friday he rushed for 164 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. He gets the attention of every defense he faces.

The decision to play close to his mom, who gave Scarbrough a big hug and a "Roll Tide" upon learning of his decision, was important to the state's top 2014 prospect.

His relationship with Nussmeier helped seal the deal for the Crimson Tide.

"Coach Nuss is going to be really happy when I tell him," Scarbrough said. "Me and Coach Nuss have a real close relationship. He's one guy I can trust. He's one guy I can always call.

"Coach Saban is a great guy. I go on YouTube and watch videos of him all the time. I watched an interview last night.

"I think Coach Saban does it the right way out of all the other colleges because he sits down and talks to you and tells you what he thinks is best and he lets you make your own decision."

Scarbrough said he was blown away with how dominating Alabama's offensive line was in the 41-14 win over Michigan. He can envision himself doing what freshman running back T.J. Yeldon did.

"I love T.J. Yeldon, and I can see myself sharing that running back spot with him. I just think Alabama fits me perfectly as a running back. Me and T.J. are about the same height. If I put the work ethic into it, I can do the same thing he's doing."

He originally scheduled an announcement during the summer, but backed off after a trip to Georgia. The pressure of such a big decision gave him pause.

"In the middle of the summer I felt a lot of pressure. But toward the end I got it all out of my head and forgot about it and started making decisions for myself."

He told TideSports.com at the beginning of the summer that he would be Alabama's first 2014 commitment. He was right.

"I told you I was going to have my name of the 2014 class first, and tonight it happened."

Scarbrough said he will get busy helping the Alabama staff build the 2014 class. He already has a couple of guys in mind.

"I want Da'Shawn Hand," he said. "I got to talk to him a little at the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge and he was a real cool guy.

"Another guy I want is the No. 1 player in Mississippi. He's an offensive guard (Rod Taylor)."